Aji Limo (Lima Lemon Drop Pepper)

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

Slender and slightly curved in shape, aji limo IQF come in a rainbow of colors, ranging from yellow to orange to purple to red.

They’re aromatic, with a distinct fruity-floral taste and strong citrus notes. Lima lemon drop peppers will add a lot of flavor, and a lot of heat to your dishes, as they are considered very spicy, with an immediate and lingering heat.

On the Scoville Scale, the Aji Amarillo ranges from 30,000 – 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).

PREPARATION

Aji limo peppers are commonly used in Peruvian cebiche (or ceviche), a dish that has fresh seafood (usually fish) “cooked” with the acidity of lime juice. It’s absolutely delicious, but must always use the freshest and best quality fish.

You can also use aji limo IQF in salsas and marinades. It’ll add a beautiful heat to stir-fried vegetables and cooked meats. You can even mix it into soups, salads, and stews.

LEMON (PEPPER) FROM LIMA

These chili peppers are native to the Lima region in the western side of the Andes Mountains, in Peru. It’s been cultivated for thousands of years, and presently can be found in home gardens and small farms in the country.

They are not grown on large commercial scales outside Peru, but a variety can be found in England and the United States, as they are very tolerant to cold weather. It is said that when it was introduced to the United States, the name was miswritten as “aji limon,” meaning lemon pepper, which is why it is also called a lemon drop pepper.

Aji limo peppers are filled with essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iron, as well as being a great source of vitamin A and vitamin C. They also contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that allows the brain to identify spice and heat, and is shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.

Storage Instructions

For IQF peppers, store in the freezer immediately upon receipt if not using immediately. Consume within 6 months as they will start to lose quality and flavor.